Category: Obedience

THE KENNEL CLUB Introduces FASTER AND MORE INCLUSIVE Liaison Council Process

The Kennel Club is introducing an updated approach to how Liaison Councils operate across all Kennel Club licensed dog activities, including Agility, Obedience, Working Trials, Rally, and Heelwork to Music. The improvements are designed to make the process faster, more flexible, and more accessible to grassroots participants, encouraging greater engagement and representation from the wider community.

Where previously, proposals could only be submitted in advance of scheduled Liaison Council meetings, under the new system participants can now submit suggestions at any time through a simple online form. Once a submission is received, it will be discussed before being added to a Council agenda. Urgent or straightforward matters may be addressed directly, while more complex proposals will be considered by the Councils and the wider community. This early discussion ensures each idea is clearly understood and properly considered. Council representatives will remain actively involved throughout the year via events, surveys, and social media.  Representatives will be kept informed of submission dates and the items submitted, while participants will receive updates online to stay informed about progress and outcomes.

To support this new process, new Liaison Council representatives have been appointed across all five activity areas. These representatives bring a broader mix of experience, ensuring that the voices of both newcomers and seasoned participants are included in shaping the future of their disciplines. The appointments reflect a strong emphasis on practical, day-to-day involvement in activities as well as wider expertise, promoting a balanced and inclusive approach to decision-making.

Another key change is the removal of regional boundaries for Council representatives. This means participants are no longer limited to engaging with representatives from a specific club or geographical area. Anyone can now contact any Council representative directly, making it easier to offer feedback, raise concerns or suggest improvements, regardless of location. This increased flexibility is designed to strengthen connections between representatives and the wider community, and to foster broader collaboration across all activities.

Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Officer at The Kennel Club said: “These changes are a direct response following extensive feedback from participants, and will aim to speed up decision-making, improve transparency, encourage wider participation and ultimately reflect how people engage with their activities today.

“Liaison Councils are only as strong as the voices they represent, and, by making the process more agile and responsive, we want participants of all levels feel empowered to play an active role in shaping the future of our activities.”

Participants can now submit proposals or ideas via the online form: thekennelclub.org.uk/forms/liaison-council-agenda-item/. Proposals should clearly outline the suggested change and how it would benefit the activity. All submissions will be reviewed by The Kennel Club and relevant representatives and, if appropriate, shared with the wider community for discussion ahead of formal meetings.

The representatives for each Liaison Council, and links to further details, can be found below.

Agility Liaison Council
Aly Gilchrist, Connor Harley, Debra Tedds, Jackie Gardner, Jo Bale, Jonathan Hallam, Nic Jones, Rebecca Sargent, Ruhina Miller, Sarah McConnell, Toni Davis, Tracy White

Obedience Liaison Council
Annette Boulter, Clare Williams, Dawn Cox, John Higgins, Kathy Russell, Lesley Holmes, Lou Holmes, Michael McCartney, Sheilagh Hyde

Heelwork to Music Liaison Council
Caroline Knight, Dawn Heaton, Emma Higgins, Laura Reynolds, Lucy Heath, Richard Moss, Emma Stock

Rally Liaison Council
Adrian Dornford-Smith, Amy Jackson, Kathleen Daly, Rachel Bradley, Sally Sanford, Stuart Lindsey, Tanya Butler

Working Trials Liaison Council
Allyson Tohme, Charlie Taylor, Christine Davis, Diane Ling, Les Theobald, Penelope Bann, Jacquie Hall

All newly appointed representatives will officially begin their terms in January 2026.

Updates regarding changes to the Dog Showing and Field Trials Liaison Councils are currently in development and will be announced in due course.

CRUFTS 2026 TO BE BIGGER AND BOLDER: NEW HALL TO SPOTLIGHT DOG GROOMING TALENT AND THE YOUNG KENNEL CLUB

Crufts is set to grow even larger in 2026, with the exciting addition of a new hall which will bring new competitions and a dedicated space for the next generation of dog enthusiasts.

The new Hall 8, which is positioned off hall 4, will become the new home of the Young Kennel Club (YKC) – a vibrant and inspiring space dedicated to nurturing the next generation of dog lovers, handlers, and followers. The move reflects Crufts’ ongoing commitment to the younger generation within the dog world.

Hall 8 will also play host to brand-new dog grooming competitions, showcasing the artistry and precision of top grooming talent from across the UK and around the world. These contests promise to be a visual spectacle and a celebration of the skill and flair that define the dog grooming profession. Further details of the dog grooming competitions will be announced in the coming weeks.

Crufts 2026 will take place from the 5 – 8 March at the NEC, Birmingham. Groups are scheduled as follows:

5 March – Working and Pastoral

6 March – Terrier and Hound

7 March – Toy and Utility

8 March – Gundog

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager said: “This exciting expansion marks a new chapter in the world’s greatest dog show, offering even more space to celebrate canine excellence, creativity, and community.

“This extension is a testament to the continued growth and popularity of Crufts, and we can’t wait to welcome exhibitors and visitors to explore everything Hall 8 has to offer.”

Online entries for Crufts 2026 will open on Monday 17 November. Meanwhile, The Kennel Club has announced that the following competitions will take place on these dates:

Thursday 5 March 2026  

Crufts Novice Cup Agility

Crufts Agility Championship (small and medium height dogs)

Junior Warrant competition final

Breeders competition

Heelwork to Music competition

Young Kennel Club (YKC) Agility Jumping Cup

Flyball team competition – Last 16

Inter-Regional Rally competition

Obreedience competition

Friday 6 March 2026 

Joe Cartledge Memorial International Junior Handling final

Crufts Medium ABC/Crufts Intermediate ABC/Crufts Large ABC Agility

Crufts Singles Agility

Vulnerable Breeds competition

Flyball team competition – Last 16

Freestyle Heelwork to Music competition

Inter-Regional Obedience competition

Saturday 7 March 2026

Crufts International Agility competition

Scruffts semi-finals and final

Freestyle Heelwork to Music International competition

YKC Agility Dog of the Year finals

Flyball – quarter finals (including YKC Finals)

Obedience Championships (dogs)

Good Citizen Dog Training scheme Special Pre- Beginner Obedience Stakes Grand Final

Sunday 8 March 2026

Crufts Agility Championship (large and intermediate height dogs)

Flyball – semi-finals and finals

Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Special Pre- Beginner Obedience Stakes final for YKC members

Obedience Championship (bitches)

Gamekeepers competition final

The Kennel Club Hero Dog Award

Best in Show and presentation

Further competition times and events are still to be announced. Up-to-date information can be found at crufts.org.uk.

CHANGES ARE COMING TO LIAISON COUNCILS

The Kennel Club has announced a change to its liaison council structure and application process as part of its ongoing commitment to improve representation across canine activities, and it has been agreed that there will be seven dedicated liaison councils moving forward. Each council will represent one of the following activities: Dog Showing, Agility, Obedience, Field Trials, Working Trials, Heelwork to Music, and Rally. Each council will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their respective area.

In a significant development, The Kennel Club will be transitioning from a nomination-based process to an application-based process for the selection of Liaison Council representatives (with the exception of Field Trials that will remain on a club nomination system). This shift is designed to improve transparency, promote inclusivity, and allow for the appointment of individuals based on relevant skills, experience, and expertise. We believe this approach will result in stronger, more effective representation across our activities.

The Kennel Club will be dissolving the Breed Liaison Council.  Additionally, the current Show Liaison Council will be dissolved, with a new Dog Show Liaison Council established later this year.

Breed-related issues that were previously managed through the Council will be handled through more direct and efficient channels.  Where appropriate, Kennel Club teams can now respond to queries and resolve issues more quickly by phone or email, providing faster outcomes and a better service for the community.

The Kennel Club is also continuing to look at ways to understand the experiences of dog breeders across our community and we hope to be able to share further updates on this shortly. Breeders are welcome to contact us via hbs@thekennelclub.org.uk or Breeder.Development@thekennelclub.org.uk. To find out where to direct breed-related queries, please visit the release on the website thekennelclub.org.uk/liaisoncouncilchange.

Helen Kerfoot, Chief Canine Officer at The Kennel Club said, “The decision to evolve our structure is to reduce overlap and ensure the right voices can represent each activity. 

“The restructure and new application process are just the first steps. While we pilot the new approach, we will keep working on improving how we do things and supporting our representatives so they can connect and communicate well with their communities.

“We believe this new structure will result in more responsive, informed, and effective governance, helping us support the continued growth and success of dog activities.”

The Kennel Club will begin the process with a pilot program for heelwork to music which will help test and refine the application processes. Those involved in the HTM activity will be approached directly and it is hoped that this pilot will provide valuable insights before a full-scale rollout to other areas later in the year.

For further information please contact activities@thekennelclub.org.uk.

Hertfordshire dog and owner become Crufts Obedience champions

Fuddle, a Golden Retriever/Border Collie cross and his owner Sue Monk from Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, took home the top obedience prize at Crufts on Sunday 9 March, after winning the Obedience Championship (Dog) final. The judge was Sarah Delany.

Four-year-old Fuddle (Ob Ch Janjelly Fuddled Boy), came first in the final held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title.

All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final after qualifying at one of the championship shows that were held last year.

Proud owner Sue said: “I am absolutely over the moon with my special boy. Fuddle is a beautiful dog with a fabulous nature, who worked his socks off and enjoyed every minute of competing at Crufts. I’m still on cloud nine and keep reliving the special moment of being called as the winners. It’s a huge honour and a dream come true.”

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “A huge congratulations to Fuddle and Sue for their impressive display in the ring today and their well-deserved win. Fuddle demonstrated excellent obedience skills, and the strong bond and teamwork between them was clear to see. 

“Obedience competitors travel from all over the UK to showcase their skills at Crufts, and the standard of dogs and handlers continues to be incredibly impressive.” 

Crufts took place between 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit Crufts website.  

BELGIAN SHEPHERD MALINOIS FROM CHESHIRE CROWNED GOOD CITIZEN PRE-BEGINNER OBEDIENCE STAKES WINNER AT CRUFTS 2025

Havoc, a one-year-old Belgian Shepherd Malinois from Altrincham, Cheshire, and his owner Sarah Kelly, has triumphed at Crufts by winning the Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Obedience Stakes Competition on Saturday 8 March.

Havoc beat 30 other talented dogs to be crowned the winner of the 2025 Good Citizen Pre-Beginner Stakes competition at the world’s greatest dog show, with the final overseen by highly experienced judge, Frank Herron. This was the 20th year the final has been held at Crufts.

Speaking after their win, delighted Sarah said: “We’re absolutely over the moon to have won! We didn’t expect it at all – he has been competing for less than a year as he still isn’t two yet so I wasn’t sure how he would handle it. He wasn’t fazed at all though and wagged his tail the whole time – I’m not sure which of us enjoyed it the most!”

The Good Citizen Dog Training scheme (GCDTS) competition was first held in 2005 to encourage owners of dogs who have passed their GCDTS Bronze Award to take part in obedience competitions as a potential gateway into dog exhibition. The exercises included in the test are a combination of current GCDTS exercises and the Pre-Beginner Obedience test. Building on the basic training skills learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme, this stakes class helps to bridge the gap between basic training and entering a competition. Dogs must have obtained their Good Citizen Bronze Award prior to the closing date of the show.

Dogs competing in the final had to qualify at one of the 31 heats held across the country last year with the winner from each heat qualifying for the final.

Sue Garner, Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme Working Party Chairman, added: “Congratulations to Havoc and Sarah who performed a first-class round, and demonstrated the skills they have learnt through the Good Citizen Dog Training scheme.

“The standard of competitors was very high so the pair should be proud of their achievement. The Pre-Beginner Stakes are a great way for dogs and owners to enter the obedience world and strengthen their bond – something that was clear to see with Sarah and Havoc, and I wish them luck in the future.”

To find out more about the Good Citizen Dog Training Scheme visit the website gcds.org.uk

Crufts took place between 6 – 9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.   

KC News release: Border Collie from Warwickshire becomes Crufts Obedience champion

Lyric, an 11-year-old Border Collie and her owner, Mary Ray from Rugby, Warwickshire, took home the top obedience prize at Crufts on Saturday 8 March, after winning the Obedience Championship (Bitches) final. The judge was Sarah Delany.

Lyric (Ob Ch Sarkam Sings The Blues) came first in the final held at the world’s greatest dog show, Crufts, after competing against some of Britain’s best dogs for the coveted title. This is the second time the pair have won the Championship, having previously been awarded the title in 2022.

Proud owner Mary said: “Lyric is my very special girl, so I was thrilled to win with her for the second time. She is always happy and gives me her all.”

All competitors at the championships had made it through to the final after qualifying at one of the championship shows that were held last year.

Helen Kerfoot, Crufts Show Manager, said: “A huge congratulations to Lyric and Mary for their impressive display in the ring and their well-deserved win. Lyric demonstrated excellent obedience skills, and the strong bond and teamwork between them was clear to see.

“Obedience competitors travel from all over the UK to showcase their skills at Crufts, and the standard of dogs and handlers continues to be incredibly impressive.”

Crufts took place from 6-9 March 2025 at the NEC, Birmingham. For more information and results from the show, visit crufts.org.uk.

THE KENNEL CLUB INVITES APPLICATIONS FOR CHAMPIONSHIP OBEDIENCE STATUS

The Kennel Club wishes to advise obedience competitors that Govan & District Dog Training Club has relinquished their championship obedience status with immediate effect.

Any society that would be interested in applying for future championship obedience status should submit a presentation for consideration. Please note that it will be necessary to select a date which does not coincide with another championship obedience show. An application from a club which already holds a championship obedience show will also be considered.

Applications should include details of the society’s committee structure and show management team, as well as information on the proposed show venue and its facilities available for judges, competitors, dogs and spectators.

Presentations should be submitted to the Working Dog Activities team at The Kennel Club at obedience@thekennelclub.org.uk by 17 November 2023.

Conduct at Kennel Club licensed events and on social media

The Kennel Club Board and the Disciplinary Committee have endorsed the introduction of further regulatory support to help ensure all those taking part in or attending licensed events behave in a responsible and a respectful manner.

It is the responsibility of all participants to uphold the core values of courtesy and respect surrounding canine activities. Alongside this, those same values ought to be in play on social media in the context of comments and opinions being expressed about participants at Kennel Club licensed events. This new measure introduces a system for issuing yellow and red cards in response to unacceptable behaviour at Kennel Club licensed events and on social media (in the context of licensed events).

The issue of a yellow card in response to unacceptable conduct will indicate that should there be a further incident and / or repetition of a complaint on a similar issue, then the yellow card will escalate to a red card status.

A red card status will result in an automatic fixed period of 60/90 days for refusal of entry and attending Kennel Club licensed events – and such period will be aligned with any relevant competition or event season.

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